December 2015 December 2015 | Page 62

design trends | viewpoint THE LURE OF LEATHER A timeless material that just seems to sing in its surroundings says Joanna Bibby L eather is such an ancient durable material that has been used in interiors going way back to caveman days. It’s basic, primal and pure. It can be tough yet fragile, soft yet strong and incredibly versatile. We have been working with leather, in all its variations from the very early days at Ochre. It all started with our love of colour. Creating a range of incredibly simple stools in different subtle colours of nubuck that were playful and worked well together. We have learnt a lot since, but colour and leather is still our passion and this combination is a strong trend in interior design. As we are noticing the return of comfort in the home, leather is welcome as it’s a sensual material that appeals to the senses on so many different levels. Its evocative smell makes homes feel loved and inspired the first ever Hermès perfume, Eau d’Hermès. On the touch and even on the ear, with that deliciously c